neuraminidase

British  

/ ˌnjʊərəˈmɪnɪdeɪz /

noun

1. any of various enzymes, found esp in viruses, that catalyse the breakdown of glucosides containing neuraminic acid, an amino sugar

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Etymology

Origin of neuraminidase

C20: from neuramin ( ic acid ) (from _neuro- + _amine + _-ic ) + _-ide + _-ase

Example Sentences

Flu viruses are composed of eight segments, including the haemagglutinin protein, or “H” part of the virus, and neuraminidase, or the “N” part.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

"It binds and inhibits viral neuraminidase expressed on both free virus particles and virus-infected cells," he said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024

Tamiflu, also known by its chemical name oseltamivir, works by blocking a protein on the surface of flu viruses called neuraminidase that enables newly made germs to escape from an infected cell and spread.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2018

The new vaccine quest starts with two proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, that coat flu’s surface.

From Washington Times • Jan. 18, 2018

Vaccine manufacturers commonly use a virus constructed from the backbone of a less infectious flu strain together with the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the strain they want to make a vaccine against.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 16, 2013